trunk · main

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 幹 relates to a tree trunk or main part; its readings include kun-reading みき and on-reading かん.
• Basic usage: 幹(みき) means a tree trunk, while 新幹線(しんかんせん) means the Shinkansen or bullet train.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A tree trunk and a train's name
  • 木の幹 means the trunk of a tree. In the example where a broken branch is caught on it, the trunk and branch refer to different parts.
  • 新幹線 names the train taken for a business trip or for which a seat is reserved. Unlike standalone 幹, the character is read かん in this word.